An ALA Best Book (2000).
A Booklist - Top Ten pick of the year for a ripping good romantic novel. (October 1999)
Also included on numerous state and library award and recommended lists.
Booklist (Starred review)
May 1999When 17-year-old Casey Willardson agrees to tutor Thomas Fairbairn, family and friends think she's crazy--and in danger. After all, Thomas is a member of the Clan, the enigmatic group of young men that keeps its distance from outsiders, even in school. But as Casey and Thomas get to know each other, labels and preconceptions fall away, resulting in a deep understanding of shared human experiences and emotions, and ultimately a rewarding love that challenges both teens' long-held beliefs.This modern, insightful Romeo and Juliet story is a rare and notable contribution to the teen fiction genre. The alternating points of view and Randle's taut, poetic prose provide remarkable character depth and complexity. Thomas, in particular, is a fascinating character, whose conversations embody the joy of learning and incorporate the works of classic philosophers and writers in ways that may show readers the relevance and rewards of learning the masters. Gritty, smart, and realistic, the novel perceptively explores issues of religion, sex and sexual abstinence, peer pressure, and integrity with grace and compassion. Despite some religious overtones, there is no preaching here, only a well-communicated respect for making comfortable personal life choices, and allowing others the opportunity to do the same. A story of morality without judgment, this will encourage teens to look beyond appearances and deep within their own hearts. --Shelle Rosenfeld
The School Library Journal:
Grade 9 Up-Thomas Fairbairn is Clan: one of a group of young men who dress in black, don't talk to outsiders, or participate in school. Flaunting Clan rules, Thomas seeks knowledge outside of his group and transfers into the honors program. Casey Willardson, an A student, is enlisted as his tutor and steps out of the security of her suburban in-crowd to help him. Both teens become renegades in the eyes of their peers; group conflict erupts as their friendship grows beyond books. Unfortunately, females are only seen as sex objects in the all-male Clan and Thomas's failure to consummate his relationship with Casey leads in part to his expulsion from the group. Casey's own beliefs are strained as Thomas challenges society and learns the costs of conformity. Reminiscent of The Outsiders and West Side Story, Randle's novel is compelling reading. Romance, gang in-fighting, and high school classroom and social scenes are realistically detailed. Predictably, the final fight between jocks and Clan occurs under the freeway bridge. Nevertheless, powerful writing and a suspenseful, action-driven story will grab teen readers.
Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CA Cpyrt: 1999 Reed Business Information
Horn Book—March/April 1999
In Randle's intriguing coming-of-age novel, the Clan . . . "like an odd, fervent religion," and few people in seventeen-year-old Casey's town willingly interact with its silent, stony-faced members. The uneasy social balance that has existed in the community is thrown off when Clan member Thomas, a.k.a. Baby, is placed in the honors program at school, and Casey agrees to tutor him and help smooth his transition to the mainstream. Cautiously they forge a "working relationship" in spite of their differences and strong disapproval from the Clan (who lock down upon the traditional educational system and on fraternization with outsiders) and from Casey's peers and family (who worry about her safety). Telling the story from both Baby's and Casey's point of view, Randle draws us in through her realistic portrayal of the pressures the two feel from within and without, as well as the attraction they begin to feel toward each other. . . these two likable, well-developed characters and the dangerous conflict that surrounds them will keep readers engaged. A sensitively told story that resonates with loss and, in the end, hope.--Kitty Flynn
Kirkus—April 1999
In a Romeo and juliet story with a new twist and a happier ending, Randle compassionately explores the duel feelings of exhilaration and anguish that come from disassociating one's self from an all-encompassing, powerful peer group. . . Randle has written an enthralling story that leaves readers with much to contemplate.
Publisher's Weekly
May 17, 1999
For 12 years, the black clad members of "the Clan" have slunk through school, driving teachers crazy by calmly refusing to work or to speak to anyone. But one day Thomas, aka "Baby" to his Clan fellows, clandestinely takes a placement test and is identified as gifted. Over her parents' objections, Casey, a good student friendly with the jock/cheerleader set, responds to the guidance counselor's request for her help and becomes Baby's after-school tutor. . . . Baby and Casey gradually find a common bond and . . .[set] in motion a chain of events that causes each of them to reexamine who they are, where they stand in their social milieus and how they will respond to their peers' expectations. The characterizations and group dynamics are compelling, the romance believable and the plot gripping as events come to a violent crescendo. Randle (The Only Alien on the Planet) is adept at conveying ingrained prejudices as well as the frustration and alienation that lead some youths to forsake the "straight" world for a more friendly and accepting one of their own making. A vivid, resonant contemporary tale.
